Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying process titled the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from reporting on global conflict to board a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has made the children on edge. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he fears a fatal end. But the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though the lead actress succeeds to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars used by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
